I've noticed that people are increasingly adverse to interrupting others, especially in progressive circles. The thought is admirable- shy people, or people who have been taught that their opinions matter less, tend to lose out in a social environment in which interruptions are common. This may have a particular effect on oppressed individuals such as … Continue reading The problems with “no interrupting” as a categorical social norm
The dilemma of accountability
In a previous job I dealt with a patient who was in chronic pain, had various mental health issues and was mildly developmentally delayed. Faced with numerous problems, this patient tended to become desperate, demanding and even somewhat aggressive and abusive when he didn't get what he needed. I found that there were two ways … Continue reading The dilemma of accountability
Technological unemployment isn’t the point
I. At the moment there’s a huge debate over whether or not advancing robotics and artificial intelligence is likely to lead to ongoing technological unemployment- a permanent increase in unemployment due to automation. For the most part though, I think this discussion over technological unemployment elides the scarier prospect- technological marginalisation. By technological marginalisation I … Continue reading Technological unemployment isn’t the point
Kenneth Arrow: “A Cautious Case for Socialism”
I suspect many readers will find this essay as engaging as I do. See here: https://www.dissentmagazine.org/wp-content/files_mf/1426269747ACautiousCaseforSocialism.pdf
The Joyous Hypocrite
For most people, being hypocritical is uncomfortable- at least if they become aware of that hypocrisy. Hypocrisy means guilt, denial, etc. A minority of sociopaths and sociopathy adjacent types seem unaffected by hypocrisy- able to wear the mask quite comfortably. A lot of politicians and clergy, for example. But every so often one hears about … Continue reading The Joyous Hypocrite
The feeling of disgust in depression
Secondary to my OCD, I suffer relatively mild depression. One of the symptoms of this depression with which I am well acquainted, but eluded my description for years, is a low level sense of disgust at everything. And I do mean disgust- disgust and contempt very specifically, and not just “anger” or “irritation”. When this … Continue reading The feeling of disgust in depression
The paranoid style in petit-bourgeois politics
I've found that a lot of Qanon supporters and other conspirators are relatively financially successful and/or small business owners. This isn’t surprising on purely demographic grounds- these people are older, white, Republicans so why should anyone be surprised that they often own a jet-ski dealerships and diners? It makes a lot of sense when you … Continue reading The paranoid style in petit-bourgeois politics
Jeff Beezos absolutely could afford to pay his employees much better
You occasionally see arguments that, while CEO's are spectacularly rich, those riches are drop in the ocean compared to the quantum that would be required to give a real pay rise to workers. Of course the main reply here is that CEO's are emblematic of a whole bunch of people who are overpaid relative to … Continue reading Jeff Beezos absolutely could afford to pay his employees much better
Clearing up the ethics of running over protestors who are blocking up the road
In response to Reddit discussion of this video I thought a Q&A was in order. Q: Is it ethically permissable to drive through protestors who are blocking the road? A: No Q: What if it is the only way in to work? A: Still no Q: What if the only way to avoid it would … Continue reading Clearing up the ethics of running over protestors who are blocking up the road
Epstein’s death: Sanity notes
I keep reading mind boggling facts about Epstein’s demise. I thought that, as a point of sanity, it might be helpful to gather them all into one place in condensed form so they wouldn’t keep wandering through my brain like a macabre parade. I’d strongly recommend other people interested in the case try compiling similar … Continue reading Epstein’s death: Sanity notes
DePonySum 